Kyoto is one of the most famous tourist spots in Japan. There is an area called Rakusei, which is an area where a lot of world heritage is preserved and collected. Kinkaku temple, Arashiyama, Katsurarikyu, and Takao are some of the most famouse attractions, which draw both Japanese and foreign tourists year round..

Togetsukyo, a famous bridge, is said to be Arashiyama’s symbol. The Sakura (cherry blossoms) that bloom in the spring and leaves which change colors during autumn, can be seen and enjoyed from Togetsukyo. The view is spectacular. You can actually enjoy the scenery of all four seasons, and the snowflakes during the winter are quite a sight as well.

The Togetsuki bridge, which is often seen often in movies and television dramas, Is 155 meters long.

Colorful Arashiyama

Many tourist spots are within walking distance from the Togetsuki. It is best to slowly walk and explore on foot.

From the Togetsuki we made our way towards the temple.

Tenry temple was built in 1639, in the memory of those who were lost in the war against Nambokucho, enemy or not. In the Muromachi period it became the first place within the five mountains of Kyoto, but it has been burned down and rebuilt a total of eight times, most of the rebuilds were during the Meiji period.

At the entrance of Tenryu temple the colors of the leaves were magnificent.

The lake inside of the garden at Tenryu is one of the best places to look at. It has an observatory garden that stretches around lake. With Arashiyama as the background, the stacked rocks, the falls, pine trees, and the maple trees allow for a breathtaking view that you can enjoy for every angle.

This garden is called the Shakkei garden. Here you can see the exterior of the temple in the background view the surrounding area which makes up the garden.

One of the unique features of Kyoto is that there are many gardens with the Shakkei of Hieizan and Arashiyama.

After exploring the Tenryu temple, from the back door you can go into a bamboo forest. The street surrounded by deep green is one of the popular tourist spots in Arashiyama.

As you are walking through the forest, you can see how the colors have changed throughout the season.

While walking on the paths through the forest as you head towards Arashiyama station, you can see Nonomiya shrine to your left. It is the shrine that appears in the Genji story’s Kareki.

It is worshiped by the people as the gods of destiny and safe birth.

In November, during the autumn when the leaves change color, and in April, when the sakura bloom, Kyoto’s tourist sports are lit up and you can enjoy touring until late at night.

Arashiyama station at night is mysterious.

Togetsukyo at night

Hogonin, located near Tenryu temple, is famous for its light displays during the color changing season. The entrance to Hogonin was filled with people lined up.

The leaves that have changed colors are even more beautiful with the light displays.

At Arashiyama, the sakura in the spring, and leaves during fall, cover the entire mountain. Arashiyama is very enjoyable during the four seasons. With Arashiyama as the starting point, there are many tourist spots, and the fact that you can have fun in different ways is unique. This time we introduced the spots near Arashiyama station. After walking around and exploring, we recommend spending a lot of time at Arashiyama.